A 27-year journey: the epic expedition of a man who decided to walk around the world

Karl Bushby is a name that deserved to be much more recognized in the circles of exploration and human endurance. It all began in 1998 when he left Punta Arenas, Chile, with an apparently simple yet radically ambitious goal: to return to England entirely on foot, without resorting to any form of mechanized transportation.

From a bet to a historic mission

What started as a simple challenge among friends evolved into what became known as the Goliath Expedition, a continuous journey that traverses the planet through a single means: his own legs. Over nearly three decades, Karl has rewritten what human persistence means.

One of the most significant moments of this crossing was passing through the Tapón del Darién, one of the wildest and most inhospitable forests in Central America. Very few humans manage to cross this region on foot, but Karl did. Then, he faced another equally epic challenge: walking on the fragile and constantly changing ice of the Bering Strait, a feat that few modern explorers can accomplish.

Obstacles that tested his determination

The journey was not just about conquering extreme landscapes. Karl also faced political and legal consequences, particularly in Russia, where he encountered issues with immigration authorities and was even detained over travel documentation matters. These setbacks could have halted any ordinary expedition, but they only delayed Karl in his relentless march.

A lesson in limitless resilience

After 27 years in motion, Karl continues to move forward toward his final goal. His story transcends mere sport or adventure; it illustrates how human determination can turn a casual bet into a historic exploration attempt that challenges the known limits of endurance.